Executive Summary

The evaluation of the Financial Benefits Program was conducted in accordance with the Veterans Affairs Canada Multi-Year Risk-Based Evaluation Plan 2014-19. The program was last evaluated as part of an overall New Veterans Charter Evaluation in 2010-11.

The Financial Benefits Program was established in 2006 under the authority of the Canadian Forces Members and Veterans Re-establishment and Compensation Act, with subsequent amendments expanding eligibility and adding programs. It provides economic support to eligible Canadian Armed Forces Veterans, survivors, and dependents in recognition of the economic impact that a career ending and/or service-related injury or death can have on a Veteran’s ability to earn income, advance in a career or save for retirement.

As per Treasury Board Secretariat policy requirements and guidance, this evaluation examined the Program’s relevance and performance. The evaluation findings and conclusions are based on the analysis of multiple lines of qualitative and quantitative evidence.

Overall Results

Relevance

Increasing uptake, enhancements, similar programs in Allied countries and a lack of duplication/overlap all point to a continued need for the Financial Benefits program.

The Program aligns with federal government priorities as well as the Department’s mandate and strategic outcomes.

Performance

A Performance Measurement Strategy^{Footnote 1} is in place and is being used; however, some modifications are suggested to improve Program measurement.

Overall, the delivery of the Program was found to be efficient and economical. The evaluation found that, generally, the immediate, intermediate and ultimate program outcomes are being achieved.

There are opportunities to improve the effectiveness of the Program. A monitoring system should be implemented to ensure recipients receive the benefits to which they are entitled, as they approach age 65. The rates for the Canadian Forces Income Support benefit should be adjusted, as there are discrepancies with comparative rates identified by Statistics Canada. The relationship between Financial Benefits and the Rehabilitation Program completion rates should be reviewed and addressed. Quality assurance activities should be implemented to ensure that the recently modified Permanent Impairment Allowance processing procedures are followed. Also, the evaluation team suggested some modifications to technology used and communications with Veterans and recipients.

Recommendations

1. It is recommended that the Director General, Service Delivery and Program Management, implement a monitoring system for Financial Benefit Program recipients likely to be deemed totally and permanently incapacitated to determine TPI eligibility before they turn 65.
2. It is recommended that the Director General, Policy and Research propose adjustments to the rates for the Canadian Forces Income Support so that they are sufficient to meet a person’s basic needs.
3. It is recommended that the Director General, Policy and Research review the relationship between Financial Benefits and the Rehabilitation Program completion rates and propose adjustments which support the Veteran outcomes.
4. It is recommended that the Director, Health Care, Rehabilitation and Income Support Programs, conduct quality assurance review/activities regarding the Permanent Impairment Allowance process to ensure the new procedures are being followed and are achieving the desired result.
5. It is recommended that the Director General, Service Delivery and Program Management, in collaboration with the Director General, Information Technology, Information Management and Administration, incorporate Supplementary Retirement Benefit and Canadian Forces Income Support processing into the Client Service Delivery Network.
6. It is recommended that the Director General, Service Delivery and Program Management, further review letters, attachments and application forms sent to Veterans in regards to the Program.